Efforts underway for city celebration

By Wayne Allen

September 18, 2013

Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

A dedicated group of community volunteers have been working to make Portsmouth’s Bicentennial one for the history books.

In an effort to keep the community informed of the events being planned, the committee has produced a newsletter entitled, “Bicentennial Briefs.” Among the items the group hopes to produce is a book, a map and other booklets.

According to the newsletter, “This group will meet later this month regarding planning some literature items and beginning the process of planning the more educational aspects surrounding the Bicentennial. This would include books, maps, lectures, movie events and activities much like the event the Portsmouth City Schools and the (Shawnee State) University have planned in the past.”

A group is working to arrange some events for the autumn of 2014 in association or conjunction with annual the Saint Mary’s International Festival.

“The key players have been contacted and expressed some interest in working together to make this event more broad-based with the addition of arts and crafts,” the newsletter reads. “Thoughts are to do a tour of Boneyfiddle area churches at this time of year, along with the initiation of the Bicentennial year at Alexandria Point with a blessing on the city by local religious leaders and with combined church choirs.”

A winter of 2014 celebration at the courthouse is also being planned.

“A dinner/dance presentation will held to celebrate submission for charter. We would like to feature a local talent or few like Faith Esham and Stan Workman or Jonathan Burton for a small set at this event. The local law board were very receptive about the dinner celebration in a french flair, as that is original immigrants to the area,” the newsletter stated.

The group is also planning a Spring City Charter/St. Patrick’s Day event.

“A downtown event to celebrate out Charter passage, expanded St. Patrick’s Day and City Celebration Parade and event. Showcase Industry and Historical artifacts. Celebrate our Celtic Heritage and Foods,” the newsletter says.

Also in the works is a wine competition, spring pageant, sports and memorial day program and a Spartan/Tanks re-enactment game.

“Ideas are surrounding (Spartan/Tanks re-enactment game) a baseball tournament, a marathon, triathlon, swim relay or other activities such as participation in the Memorial Day Parade and possible Civil War re-enactment group as a part of this. (A) Marine Band (is) possible.”

One of the last two events of the celebration would be a Fourth of July Finale in Tracy Park. The event will be held as an American-style celebration barbecue and chili cook-off.

To wrap up the celebration the committee is planning to partner with the annual River Days Festival to coordinate a bicentennial theme.

For more information or volunteer opportunities with Portsmouth’s Bicentennial e-mail gchabot@tshdarchitects.com.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or tallen@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Wayne on Twitter @WayneallenPDT.